CFL Week 18 Predictions

Week 18 of the 2017 CFL season is here and with five of six playoff spots already locked up, the question of motivation is a prominent one for CFL bettors this week. Jockeying for position will still be a motivational tool, but teams are all about staying healthy now whether they are going to the playoffs or not. The action kicks off at 9:00 pm EST on Oct 20, 2017.

CFL Today’s Games

Week 18 means that the 2017 CFL regular season is almost done and with five of the six potential playoff spots already clinched, teams are either gearing up for a championship run or planning vacations. Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa are the five teams that have their postseason tickets punched already, and while there still will be some jockeying for position – especially between the two East teams – it’s all about staying healthy and peaking at the right time.

The 6th and final playoff spot is likely going to go to either Saskatchewan or BC with the Roughriders currently in the driver’s seat. Saskatchewan holds a two-game edge over the Lions entering Week 18, and with no remaining head-to-head matchups left, the Lions are going to need to likely win out and have the Roughriders collapse.

In terms of this week’s games, the Lions are in a much better spot though as small home favorites vs Edmonton, compared to Saskatchewan as big road underdogs in Calgary, so if the results hold true to the lines, BC might find themselves a game back with two games remaining. However, it’s that Roughriders game that’s more attractive from a betting perspective.

Canadian Football League Picks Week 18

Although Calgary has already locked up a playoff spot, this is a classic situation of having one team (Saskatchewan) with everything to play for, and another (Calgary) with next to nothing to play for. Yes, Calgary hasn’t clinched 1st place in the West yet, but being five points up on Winnipeg in that regard with only three games (a possible 6 points) remaining, it’s basically a formality that the Stampeders will get that top spot.

So for the Stampeders it’s all about staying healthy over these final few weeks and that means that some depth guys are likely to see more significant time. Losing a key starter in virtually meaningless games like this would be a huge loss to Calgary and I’m not sure I’d bet on them to cover a point spread as big favorites until the playoffs begin.

That idea especially holds true here as they are up against a Roughriders team who could be one step closer to punching their playoff ticket this week with a victory tonight. Saskatchewan doesn’t have the luxury of holding anything back at this point, and they did play Calgary tough a month ago when they lost 15-9 to the Stampeders. That game was in Saskatchewan, but given the scenario for both teams now and the large spread, grabbing the points is the best way to go.

On the flip side of the intensity-ridden playoff chase, we’ve got this game between Hamilton and Montreal wrapping up Week 18 on Sunday. Both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention after largely disappointing campaigns and we are sure to see plenty of offseason changes for both squads.

So with nothing left to play for, I’m expecting both teams to go out and sling the ball all around the yard like it was a flag football game to put on a show for their loyal fans. Defensive guys aren’t going to be risking injuries by throwing themselves at guys all day and although this season is basically over for both teams, nobody on either side wants to spend the off-season in a cast.

So with minimal intensity on defense, and offensive guys looking to either pad their stats or make a name for themselves to get bigger contracts or solidify a 2018 roster spot somewhere, expect points to be scored at a furious pace here. Both teams won’t be afraid to take shots, call trick plays, or whatever they deem necessary to score at the time, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this game have 60+ points scored.

The Toronto Raptors have emerged as the main contenders against the reign of the Golden State Warriors in 2019. NBA futures betting show Golden State as overpowering favorites to win another championship, especially in a weakened western conference. However, the rise of the eastern conference this season will produce a strong challenge from Toronto, the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers, all of whom feature the personnel needed to upset the champs.

Super Bowl LIII takes place on February 3rd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. An unprecedented offensive outburst from the league this season promises a high-scoring championship game. NFL Super Bowl futures over the stretch run features the Rams, Saints, Chiefs and Patriots as popular favorites. Clubs like the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers offer superb value as potential contenders.

There’s no precedent to the Golden State Warriors, who will be overwhelming NBA futures betting favorites to win their third consecutive championship. No team in history has ever fielded a starting lineup consisting of all-stars like the Warriors, a situation most teams can't compete against. Even great contenders like the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers will be longshots to win the 2019 NBA Finals.

Week 14 in the NFL begins a last ditch effort for franchises who still have a shot at making the post season. Clubs like the Panthers and Vikings need victories to avoid another disappointing season. Carolina's a solid bet to beat the Browns, but Minnesota's far from a lock against Seattle. The best NFL spread picks this week also include the Patriots, Rams and Packers.